If you follow knitting personalities, people, groups, and hashtags at all on Instagram, you must have noticed more content in the last six months about a hard topic: that in every aspect of our lives, racism is present. And, our knitting community isn't immune. This article sums up what occurred. BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) knitters all over the world have shared experiences on Instagram of being ignored or condescended to at local yarn shops, of feeling uncomfortable being the only brown person in a knitting group, of being told "I didn't think black people knit." This isn't the kind of knitting community we want.
To provide a brave space for Portland knitters to talk, share, work out, and learn in person, we set up Knit Nights. We've been meeting every second Monday at FUMC. From August onward, we are considering new times and places to make it easier for people who are already booked on Mondays; look out for updates.
For those of you nervous about attending: please consider coming. Yes, it may be awkward at first. And, yes, we definitely want you to feel like you can join us. It's awkward enough for some people to come into a new social group when the topic isn't about personal politics, deep self-reflection, and racism. ​But, we're a friendly and supportive group. We also talk about fun things. We laugh. We knit while we talk and talk about our knitting. Conversations meander. Many questions are asked rather than assumptions made. Challenges may be posed, but it's all up to you how you want to proceed or not. We're all vulnerable, we're all here for each other. No one will make you talk if you just want to sit, knit, and listen. Know that you're welcome and we appreciate you.
So, what have we been talking about at Knit Night? Here is a short summary in which we tried to capture some highlights, soundbites, and thought-provoking points. We hope that you bookmark this post to go back to when you need some grounding, some ideas, some help, and some guidance.
​ "Homework" Each meeting, we try to come out with a "homework assignment" to spark discussion for the next meeting, like question prompts or reading suggestions. Here are some examples: Make time to read/listen to a resource from our compiled list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JKhBkscGduwzeIgMi_9ovkCi9geOEHARmqxVBD2Z_Rs/edit?usp=sharing This list should be editable and sharable by anyone! What common history do you remember learning in school that you later discovered had a different perspective? What are some local organizations that are asking for knitting supplies for marginalized people? Knitting was an easy access point to start putting action into a problem brewing for centuries.
A few conversation topics had:
How social media helps expose and challenge our awareness outside of our "bubbles". Some of us grumble about how the Internet can be a negative place, but member Carol Hanna made a great point that it's also an opportunity to discover ideas and people in a good way. What do you think about that? The democracy of knitting vs. exclusivity. Knitting can be an expensive hobby. What are some more economically inclusive ways to enjoy this hobby? Thrifting sweaters for their yarn? Upcycling/recycling other yarn? Alternative yarns? While the Guild extends an invitation to anyone, not everyone has the ability to come. Transportation, child care, and other practical/logistical things can be bigger challenges to our neighbors than we assume. Different cultures may have different definitions of child care, for example. How do we be as inclusive as possible while providing a great experience? Knitting was an easy access put action into a problem brewing for centuries. It's fortunate for us, as knitters, right here, right now, to be a part of the conversation and to take action. Why has it been the knitting community and not golf, yoga, or "white dominated" communities? Surely, other communities have. What are some examples? A Few Links of Interest To Read: When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir, https://patrissecullors.com/call-terrorist-black-lives-matter-memoir/ Portland writer Mitchell Jackson: https://www.mitchellsjackson.com A Reading List for Ralph Northam: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/antiracist-syllabus-governor-ralph-northam/582580/ About Vanport, a forgotten Portland place (especially for transplants: https://www.pdx.edu/ourhistory/vanport-city Alberta Arts: http://www.albertaartworks.org/projects One of the MANY conversations that have happened on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BwPtXhVJbcT/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=7i1ayop1swrc Black artists of Portland: http://oregonhumanities.org/rll/beyond-the-margins/black-mark-black-legend/?fbclid=IwAR1HaOWEf58K-xeE9cCsS9zVTVr0oGjqlSV6emiHnUfy3Jiq5hp5brUJQpI Waking Up White by Debby Irving (a self-described WASP's tough self-reflection and learning experience): http://www.debbyirving.com/the-book/ To watch: Kristy Glass Knits This Is Us! A Fiber Friends Conversation. (A disarming and greatly informative conversation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvLwaANQAM4&t=2106s More historically accurate documentary about Victor Green (recently highlighted in the Hollywood film The Green Book: https://www.smithsonianchannel.com/shows/the-green-book-guide-to-freedom/0/3467847 Regarding Vanport, OPB has an excellent documentary: https://www.opb.org/television/programs/oregonexperience/segment/vanport/ Seth Myers' "White Savior" skit: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1215682811924361 To Listen: Good Ancestor: http://laylafsaad.com/good-ancestor-podcast Seeing White: https://www.sceneonradio.org/seeing-white/ Black music by black artists from black Portland: https://thenumberz.fm Comment with your suggestions for what to read/listen to/watch, and let us know what topics you'd like us to discuss. Please comment with your questions, as well. Hope to see you soon!
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In our May meeting, we learned first hand what it means for patterns to be "tech edited" from the Unapologetic Knitter, Meaghan Schmaltz. Meaghan gave a compelling and fun presentation that instilled great value in this necessary step to a well-received pattern.  Why is Meaghan so unapologetic? She believes knitting is an art form that should be nurtured. Just go for it! And, being from Canada and all, as she facetiously told us, saying "sorry" is just a thing.
As a knitter and designer herself, Meaghan's patterns are perfect TV-knitting projects, making them accessible to many levels. As an editor, Meaghan is detail-oriented and incredibly learned. Beginning her career in 2015, Meaghan works for such clients as Andrea Mowry. Having taken a course in size grading (writing patterns for many garment sizes from just one sample size), Meaghan has skills not only in pattern creation, but grammar and writing as well. Tech editing is so much more than just making sure the pattern is right. It's ensuring it makes sense and that it's clear and consistent. Meaghan will not only correct grammar and help craft better writing, but she'll check and correct the math, too. So, aspiring designers who may be intimidated by math, take notes! Thank you, Meaghan, for enlightening us on this little discussed phase in the life of knitting patterns! Join us next month for our June 13th meeting! Celeste Percy will be there to tell us all the ins and outs of the sheep to shawl contest held at the annual Black Sheep Gathering.  We had a lovely time with the charming Marie Greene, a.k.a. Olive Knits. It was a treat to have it in the big, beautiful sanctuary of Fremont United Methodist Church. Marie's program, "You Are the Boss of Your Sweater," encouraged us to explore ways to whip our sweater game into shape when we're finding ourselves with multiple unfinished sweater projects. And yes, you still have to swatch!  'Purls' of wisdom from Marie: It's Okay to have multiple projects going if you need different types of projects for different activities. For Guild meetings, isn't it easier to just fly by sleeve island and keep your lace shawls at home? It's Okay to frog! Consider finishing work (edges for picking up collars, for example) throughout your project so when you're ready for the finishing steps, your knitting will be ready. It's just knitting. Did you mess up? Knit 2 together and move on!  A wonderful group who wore their Olive Knits sweaters for the event! Some of our gorgeous Show and Tell projects.
Thank you Marie Greene for coming to Portland and sharing your insights with us! We'll see you next time, May 9th, for the Unapologetic Knitter Meaghan Schmaltz who will tell us all about what happens with patterns from inception to being in your hands.
We had a unique and super fun meeting this March! Emme and Samantha of the Stitch & Stir knitting podcast hosted and recorded an episode. Thank you so much Emme and Samantha for sharing your beautiful knits, embracing our "knitting confessions" (be proud of your knitting confessions!) and playing a game of Gimme Gimme complete with prizes!
Check it out and be sure to subscribe:
Join us next month, April 11, to see Marie Green, a.k.a. Olive Knits, present "You Are the Boss of Your Sweater."
Please note: we will be in our normal meeting space at 6 for social knitting and so that you may purchase Marie's new book, Seamless Knit Sweaters in 2 Weeks, but we will host the presentation in the church's sanctuary. If you purchase Marie's book ahead of time, you may be able to get her to sign it before or after the meeting. See you next time!  Emily Devlin tells us all about sock anatomy. This month, Emily Devlin brought her sock experience and expertise to our program. We had a visit from Rose City Yarn Crawl, and recapped our first Diversity Knit Nights.  Rose City Yarn Crawl Rose City Yarn Crawl Three board members of the Rose City Yarn Crawl (RCYC) spoke to us about the annual event that celebrates Portland area local yarn shops. It's coming March 7 - 10. Owners from Close Knit (a yarn crawl regular), Blizzard Yarn and Fiber of Vancouver, WA and Knotty Lamb of Forest Grove (two new shops on the crawl), drummed up excitement over this March's crawl. The crawl includes a passport you can print out and get stamped at each shop. Complete passports can be submitted to the grand raffle. Each shop also has a few raffles for giveaway. There's a whopping total of 66 raffle prizes! Shops remain open longer hours so that crawlers can have more chances to visit. Be sure to check out their daily events to see what trunk shows are happening at the shops. This year's RCYC tote was designed by the daughter of Close Knit owner Sally, and it's a cute one! They'll be for sale in limited quantities at the shops. Diversity Knit Night This past Monday, we hosted our first "Diversity Knit Night." Five guild members attended, including two board members (Board President Margaret and Communications Chair Angela) and business member Lori Patterson of Abstract Fiber. Our goal with these knitting gatherings is to provide a space for interested individuals to discuss how to better include black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in the guild and Portland's greater fiber community. We hope to foster a supportive atmosphere; we're here for each other. At the end of each knit night, we aim to leave with an action item. For this first meeting, we started an ongoing list of free educational resources (literature, podcasts, videos, etc.) as well as Makers of Color to follow on social media. Each of us will chose a resource to discuss at the next meeting. View or add to the list here. We are also wanting to discuss what we can contribute to events like World Knit in Public Day, groups or clubs to invite to PKG meetings, charity opportunities, and other ideas you have. We meet the 2nd Monday of each month at Fremont United Methodist Church in the Bob Nelson room, through the front doors of the church off of Fremont. 6:30 pm. This is a less formal gathering than the meetings, so feel free to join when and if you can. Non-guild members are welcome. We are looking into how this might translate to a Facebook or other digital group for those who can't make it in person. Next meeting is March 11 at 6:30 pm.  Why does Emily Devlin (Fairweather Knitter) love to knit socks? A myriad of reasons, not limited to their customizable character. Emily walked us through every piece of a sock and the advantages of each decision one can make when knitting their own socks. There are 9 main decisions that one can make when starting socks: 1. Yarn: thickness, twist, and fiber content. A tighter twist and a wool blend with silk or nylon usually yield a sturdier sock. You can also reinforce areas of your sock that wear down most on you. 2. Gauge: Emily recommends a dense gauge for better durability. If you don't do a gauge swatch, be sure to try on the sock as you go. If you do knit a gauge swatch, knit one using an I-cord-like technique with loose floats in back to obtain a swatch more similar to the in-the-round result. 3. Needles: Do you do double-pointed, magic loop, or two circulars? If you suffer from "second-sock syndrome", try the magic loop method on extra-long circular needles so that you can knit both socks at the same time. If you simply want a stockinette knit, you can zoom around on very short circular needles. For DPN fans, maybe the addi FlexiFlips appeal? 4. Direction: Are you on the toe-up team or the cuff-down committee? Deciding where to start can be determined in part by how you wish to bind off. 5. Heels: The richest information on sock anatomy is certainly in the heel. There are many choices, and some of them are dependent on the direction you are knitting. Types of heels include:
6. Toes: Depending on how you want the toe of the sock to look or fit, and depending on where you start (toe-up or cuff-down) there is the Wedge, Round, or Spiral that is like the top of a hat.  Emily brought cuff swatches for a hands-on look at the stretchiest bind offs and cast ons. 7. Cuffs: Stretch is key when it comes to cuffs. When you cast on at the cuff, consider going beyond the long-tail cast on and trying stretchier techniques like the Old Norwegian (also known as German Twisted) and the tubular cast ons. For toe-up socks, stretchy bind offs to consider are: Tubular or Kitchener, Doubled or Russian, Sewn, and Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy. Whichever you use, note that a 2 x 2 rib tends to provide the most stretch on the whole cuff. The longer your ribbed cuff, the more stretch you get. Fancy cuffs, like picot or cable, aren't as stretchy. Keep in mind as well that, tight socks don't necessarily mean that they will stay up on your leg. A right-fitting sock, not too tight or too loose, will stay up while being worn. 8. Stitch Pattern: This is the fun part. If you're breaking away from a written pattern, consider using a stitch dictionary as inspiration for your own designs. Go with a pattern repeat that works evenly with the total number of stitches (if you have 60 total stitches, then chose a pattern with a repeat of 5 or 10 stitches). 9. How Many at a Time: As mentioned above, you can use an extra-long circular needle to knit both socks at the same time, which ensures the socks will be identical (or at least as close as possible). Emily shared a great list of resources for sock knitting:  Thank you, Emily, for a great presentation!
We had yet another gorgeous Show and Tell, including those by new members - Welcome! We love seeing new members, newer knitters, and visitors share their projects. Catch us next time, March 11th, for the Stitch & Stir podcast with Emme and Samantha where they will be recording a show.  January's Program by Renate Yerkes gave us tons of inspiration! We kicked off 2019 with Renate Yerkes of Elephino PDX inspiring us to try out Double Knitting. If your goal for this year is to learn something new, take some guidance from the wonderful Renate! We also had a tip for those resolving organize their knit notions and some amazing show and tells! Rose Haven Charity Knitting At Puddletown, we see knitters as making a positive impact on our community. One of the ways we do this is by coming together as a community with our charity knitting projects. This year we'll be teaming up with Rose Haven. Rose Haven is a day shelter and community center serving women, children and gender non-conforming folks experiencing the trauma of abuse, loss of home and other disruptive life challenges. Rose Haven’s mission is to maintain a safe, respectful community while providing our guests with support and services to assist them in regaining stability in their lives. The Project We want to give hand knit blankets made with machine-washable yarn to Rose Haven. Children love carrying around blankies for comfort, and adults benefit much from a nice lap blanket. Annette, our Program co-chair, showed us an example of a finished blanket. An easy way to make one is to knit a 36-inch long strip 6 to 10 inches wide for a quick knit, gather up more similarly gauged 36-inch strips, and stitch them together. Garter stitch is perfectly acceptable! It's a great way to bust your stash of acrylic yarns. It's a great opportunity to collaborate with friends. Three or four knitters can knit their strips, gather for a stitch-up-the-strips party, and create a blanket in no time. As you finish blankets, please bring them to meetings for Annette to collect. Member Tip If you find yourself sorting through tangles of circular needs, wondering if you even have the size you need for a project, consider an artful way to display your needles in an accessible way. Angela, PKG Communications Chair, was inspired by designer Bristol Ivy, Angela used items she already had sitting around - a cork board, binder clips, and T-pins - to create a super simple place for her circulars. Organize in a way that works for you! Angela ordered hers from smallest to largest by top to bottom, left to right. She even found a place for a handy needle sizer/gauge ruler. Using a cork board instead of affixing binder clips directly to your wall allows you more versatility, especially if you relocate often. Lastly, the cork board was hand-painted for fun. You could also wrap a cool fabric around your cork board or go au naturale. What knitting notions organization tips do you have? If you'd like to share yours to the group at a meeting, email us!  Program: More the Two Sides to This Story: The Dynamic World of Double Knitting Designer, teacher, and fashion maven Renate Yerkes (Elephino PDX) walked us through an overview, history, and some inspiration on Double Knitting, an emerging technique that yields a dense, warm, two-sided knit. Renate says: The technique of ‘double knitting’ is essentially this; two layers of interwoven fabric produced simultaneously by knitting in a 1 x 1 rib pattern while alternating the knit and purl stitches between two contrasting colors, or even textures, of yarn. This results in a reversible piece with a Stockinette fabric on both sides, each side featuring the same motif with the inverse play of colors or textured yarns being used. Double Knitting: A Rich History This no-waste, two-for-one technique has an unclear history like much of knitting. Renate found a passage in Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace that describes a magic-like method of knitting two socks at the same time using a technique like that of double knitting. That was the 19th century. By the 1970s, machine-made, double-knit jacquard clothing was on trend. By the 1990s, it was certainly not on trend, as per Will Smith's lyric from "Parents Just Don't Understand": Mom, please put back the bell-bottom Brady Bunch trousers But if you don't want to I can live with that but You gotta put back the double-knit reversible slacks Renate Yerkes is at the forefront of what could be the next trend in knitting. Brioche, a type of double-sided knitting, has received a lot of attention since Nancy Marchant's book Knitting Brioche: The Essential Guide to the Brioche Stitch. Double knitting is just as if not more thick and cushier than its ribbed cousin.  Tips for Double Knitting Why do you see a lot of accessories in double knit, but not sweaters? The interwoven construction makes it a little tricky for things like shoulder seams. Three-needle bind off doesn't work so well, either. Scarfs, cowls, and hats lend themselves well to Double Knitting. Renate shared an ingenious way to keep your yarn from tangling as you knit. Much like stranded color work, two or or more strands of yarn are used in a row, and as you switch colors, the strands can become twisted. Renate places her yarns on a lazy Susan. To untangle, all you have to do is turn the lazy Susan clockwise once. Mind blown. Get Started with Double Knitting Renate is probably one of the best places to start to venture into Double Knitting!
Members and guests also had the chance to pick up a print out of a Puddletown exclusive pattern "Love Me a Scrubby" generously written and given to us by Renate! If you take up Double Knitting, please do bring your projects to Show and Tell, share them on our Ravelry group, and tag Puddletown and Renate (@elephinoPDX on Insta) in your social media posts. We'd love to see them!  Renate's Sten Cowl for Woolfolk is a very modern, cozy design using double knitting techniques.  Folks to follow as Double Knitting rises. Show and Tell and Raffle
As usual, and always welcome, we had a line of magnificent finished objects, including a truly amazing double-knit circle scarf inspired by the One Ring of Lord of the Rings. Will the maker of that, please stand up? We'd love to feature it! We had three lovely little raffles to get you started on selfish knitting or spinning this month. Join us next month, February 14th, when Emily Devlin teaches us about sock anatomy!  Jamie MacCarthy, community and customer service maven of Brooklyn Tweed, educates us on the company history. Our last meeting of 2018 brought us one of our favorite business members, Brooklyn Tweed, to talk about the experience of working with the local, breed-specific yarn company. We also had an amazing giveaway and a some tips on how to save your precious woolies from moths. Jeff from Ohana Pest Control shared his professional tips for keeping your woolies well. Scents like peppermint, cedar, lavender, and mothballs deter moths from laying eggs in your yarn and knitwear. If you bring home natural fibers from a thrift store or yard sale, store them in your freezer for at least 12 hours before integrating them into your stash.  Program: The Brooklyn Tweed Experience Every detail of Brooklyn Tweed, how they source their materials, craft designs, and the feel of a blocked swatch, reflects a certain kind of passion. Customer and Community Relations expert Jamie visited us to talk about the story and experience of one of our favorite business members. Where Did Brooklyn Tweed Begin? Its namesake comes from the New York City borough where founder Jared Flood first started a blog about his knitting adventures. With a reverence to Elizabeth Zimmerman, he became obsessed with knitting and yarn making, soon having one of his designs on the cover of Vogue Knitting.  Women wrapping skeins of Shelter by hand at the historic mill in New Hampshire BT works with. How the Yarn Gets Made Brooklyn Tweed 's mission is to "develop and manufacture breed-specific yarns that support domestic textile production—designing, sourcing, dyeing and spinning our yarns within the USA." Jamie took us on a quick journey from sheep to skein.  Targhee-Columbia sheep, an American cross-breed, in Wyoming. Woolen spun yarn like Shelter start on these cuties.  Getting cleaned in Texas.  Ready for spinning in New Hampshire after a visit from the dye house in eastern Pennsylvania. What Is It Like Designing for Brooklyn Tweed? With a team of expert knitwear designers like Gudrun Johnston and Norah Gaughan, Brooklyn Tweed patterns get a lot of love. To create collections like Wool People, the design team gathers for a retreat in which to deep dive into brainstorming and developing. Sounds like a dream, right? From there, design and marketing coordinators work with Jared and company to bring new patterns to you.  To show their appreciation, Brooklyn Tweed brought mini skeins of Peerie for each member. When you knit it up, be sure to bring your FO to Show and Tell! Thank you to Brooklyn Tweed for a wonderful program.  Show and Tell and Our Raffle
Our members make the most amazing things. This gorgeous lace shawl was knit by a member (on the far right with the mic - holler at us so we can properly acknowledge you!) for her wedding. Emme Von, co-host of the Stitch and Stir podcast and March program co-guest, won a blanket's worth of Noro in our raffle. Yes, you read that right. Join us in 2019 for a review of Double Knitting by Renate Yerkes! November Meeting Recap: Knitted Wit & Shannon Squire Q & A, Plus a Visit from Sunshine Division11/19/2018 This month was full of fun and warm coziness. We welcomed fiber besties and collaborators Lorajean Kelley of Knitted Wit and designer Shannon Squire. And, we got to show our appreciate to Sunshine Division. Not to mention, it was our 1st birthday! We can hardly believe what an amazing year it's been with you all. We hope you join us again in 2019! Jason and Avery from Sunshine Division paid a visit to receive your hand-knit hat donations. We are so proud to stand with Sunshine Division, and the generous and talented knitters you are made over 200 beautiful hats for their charity. Thank you so much all!  Jason, Avery, and Margaret with your donations. Collaboration: A Conversation with Lorajean Kelley and Shannon Squire Fiber besties and frequent collaborators Lorajean Kelley and Shannon Squire brought sparkle and unicorn vibes. Lead by Program Assistant Annette, the pair answered questions about the work they do together and how it knits into their strong friendship.  Annette grills Lorajean (Knitted Wit) and Shannon (Shannon Squire Designs). How did they meet? In 2008, while Shannon was co-owner at Twisted, Lorajean paid a visit to sell her hand-dye yarn (Knitted Wit!). Lorajean plopped her colorful skeins down on the table, and a relationship was born. How do they stay such good friends? The key to their consistent friendship is to give each other space, they said. Allowing each time to do their own thing results in each of them coming back to create together even better. What's most important to them as fiber artists? Community. Portland has a close knit community (pun intended), and it has a certain vibe and enthusiasm that one can't really find anywhere else. Both Lorajean and Shannon love this community, and intend to keep helping to foster it. Within that community are people and causes they care about. Knitted Wit's HerStory Sock Club and National Park inspired colorways, for example. What was your favorite part of their conversation?  Shannon Squire's sock designs on her father's handmade wooden sock wheel. Fun fact: Shannon's father makes wooden sock blockers and the incredible sock wheel above. The pair had yarn and patterns for sale. If you missed out, be sure to visit their Holiday Market on December 1, which will have wares from JaMpdx, two glass makers, Chickencoop Botanicals, Hanks in the Hood, and a Sample Sale from Shannon Squire Designs! Your FOs From official Show and Tell to discovering amazing projects around the room, here are some of your FOs!
Join us at our December 13th meeting with a visit from Jamie McCarthy, Luigi Boccia, and Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed!  Amy in her Stay Soft Shawl. If you don't recognize Amy from our monthly meetings, then you've probably seen her work. In addition to a knitter, Amy is a talented graphic designer who contributes to our social media content and who designed our cool postcards! Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up in Wyoming and from a pretty young age spent a lot of time in my room making all sorts of little things. I moved to Missoula, Montana after college and this is where I first learned to weave and knit at the lovely LYS Joseph's Coat. I eventually started working there and teaching weaving and knitting classes. I then spent a few years in NYC getting my second degree (in graphic design) and working in advertising before moving to the west coast. Here I'm a graphic designer and a very obsessive knitter. Why do you knit? I'm definitely a process knitter, doing it more for the meditation and mindfulness than anything else. I also love how knitters are never bored or wasting time--we always have at least one small project with us in case we get stuck somewhere, right? And of course I also love the community, the problem-solving, the materials, the patterns, the history. Oh yeah, and wearing all those finished projects! What’s currently on your needles? Let's see. Haha. So many things, but the main ones are: Carbeth Cardigan by Kate Davies, Jared Flood's Nehalem sweater and Tolt's Olallie legwarmers by Rachel Kieselburg. I'm dying to start: Melissa Wehrle's Truss cardigan, Madder's Uniform cardigan and something with my plant-dyed Icelandic wool (I'm thinking Melanie Berg's Rainshadow shawl, once it's released). What’s the first project you even finished? Green Mountain Spinnery's Rosemary Sweater. It was a roll-neck pullover, knit in the round, with a little cable at each shoulder. Blue Galway worsted. Unfortunately I don't have it anymore, but it actually kind of turned out ok. That was 20-something years ago. Yikes! What’s your latest knitting obsession? Starting. New. Projects. And also Laine magazine. You can find Amy on Ravelry and Instagram as amypiel.  This month, we had web tips from two members who are super active in Portland's fiber community. And, we were inspired by designer Sivia Harding. Emme Von's Destash Diving on Ravelry If you need something that your LYS (cuz nothing's like your favorite LYS) doesn't readily have, Ravelry may save you. Start on Ravelry's Yarn page, follow Emme's steps below in the images, and once you've found what you're looking for, reach out to the seller. A few things to remember when buying from user stashes:
P.S., Emme is also the co-host of the Stitch & Stir podcast. Check it out next time to sit down to knit. Brooklyn Tweed's Resource Library Jamie MacCarthy, Customer and Community Relations for Brooklyn Tweed, gave us a glimpse of the local fiber phenom's growing Resource Library. Representative of their passion for wool, knitting, and design, the Resource Library is a rich hub of foundational information for knitters of all levels. Bookmark articles for later, find a tip if you're in a snag, or get lost exploring the thoughtful content. A great one is Selecting a Sweater Size. It includes a downloadable worksheet for calculating ease. For more discussion, join the Brooklyn Tweed Fan Club on Ravelry. Put a Bead On It with Sivia Harding Sivia Harding has been knitting and designing since she was a child. Her love of sparkling beads among intricate lace knits results in gorgeous finish projects and incredible patterns.  Sivia in her Peacock Shawl How does she get her inspiration? From nature. And, how does she go forward with one color or texture combination over another? Well, there's looking at complementary colors and designs. But, it's more about trying things out, and, most of all, going with her gut. Sivia encourages us to go with our own instincts when choosing bead-and-yarn combinations. When playing with ideas, consider how a project will look up-close versus far away. And, be ready for the unpredictability of yarns and beads. Elements that look one way alone may take on a totally different mood when together. What Kind of Beads to Use Sivia relies much on Japanese beads, and has an affinity for metallics. Japanese beads, she says, are treated in a similar way as many brands treat natural yarns. Toho Beads and Miyuki Beads are great resources for online. Craft Warehouse in Gresham and Beads at Dusti Creek in Portland supply great beads and opportunities to see them in person. Sivia suggests size 6 beads as great to start with and to try and view the beads outside of their plastic packaging to get the best idea of what they'll look like.  Sivia with her Waves and Brambles Beaded Shawl What beading adventures do you think you'll take after Sivia's program?  Your Sunshine Division hat donations Next Month
Friends from Sunshine Division will be present to collect the amazing hand-knit hat donations you have given. We will also hold a raffle for those who donated. Board Elections will take place for the positions of President/Chair, Program Chair, and Volunteer Coordinator. And, fiber besties Lorajean of Knitted Wit and Shannon of Shannon Squire Designs will speak on collaboration. See you November 8th! |
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